HOLIDAY GUIDE 2010

This year we had so many awesome products, even some that were last year's picks as well!

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm Best of 2010 Annual Holiday Guide issue:

Published by Art of living,PrimaMedia,Inc 2010, copyright art of living,PrimaMedia,Inc 2010The trademark The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm and the Best of Holiday Seal are properties of Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc All text included here, photos of Maria Liberati, Holiday Guide Seal are copyright 2010 Art of Living, PrimaMedia,Inc For info,permission on reprinting any info or photos email: editor@marialiberati.com

I really adore all of these products..but must admit this is one of my favorites..I have created a special place for 'her' in my kitchen..she brightens up my day. "She' makes the perfect gift for foodies, gourmands, chefs and collectors..and brings back memories of the Madame Alexander collection my Mom gave me when I was a child. Who wouldn't love this in her kitchen..skirt made of pasta, chef hat and dish of spaghetti and meatballs!

ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI from Madame Alexander Dolls

ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI Anyone who especially loves their pasta will find it hard to resist a doll with a skirt made of pasta, from the Madame Alexander Collection. Available where Madame Alexander Dolls are sold.

Bring a 19th Century English Tradition Home for the Holidays! With all the gossip about the

upcoming Royal Wedding in 2011 I think everyone is in a Royal State of Mind! And what better way to get into a Royal Mood for the Holidays than to make a bit of Christmas Pudding..yes the very stuff they served in Dickens Christmas Carol.. Mason Cash is known for it's artisan like bowls and pudding basins. They are the very ones used for the Christmas Pudding in the Royal Kitchen. (Here's a recipe to test them out)

MASON CASH MIXING BOWLS

The bowls are artisan made and very easy to clean. Mason Cash has been making bowls for the Royal Kitchen since the 1800's. These are truly heirloom pieces to be enjoyed for generations. Purchase at http://www.pacificmerchants.com

MASON CASH PUDDING BASINS

The perfect pudding basin to steam Christmas pudding. They are pieces that combine the nostalgic with the modern..who can resist it..a piece of your grandmother's kitchen but with a modern touch! Truly a timeless piece for your kitchen. Purchase at http://www.pacificmerchants.com

PRICE & KENSINGTON TEA POTSBut what would a Christmas tea be without a Royal tea set. Price & Kensington tea pots make the perfect choice and they are durable, come in many beautiful colors and are surprisingly affordable, they come with matching cups. Experience a true British Tea! And you can enjoy an age old tradition in luxury without breaking the bank. Mason Cash & Pacific Merchants are known for making quality, luxury items available to American households at affordable prices. Purchase at www.pacificmerchants.com

LINDSAY OLIVE BRANCH HOLIDAY WREATH & CENTERPIECE

The gift that gives back and is green. The perfect gift,...every purchase of a Lindsay Olive wreath goes to help Meals on Wheels and other charities that feed the hungry. Purchase at http://www.lindsayolives.com/wreaths. And after the Holidays you can transform your wreath

into a centerpiece you can use all year. The olive branches and leaves bring me back to the hills of Abruzzo and Tuscany that are 'decorated' with olive trees.

GLAM BAGSFor the second year in a row these Glamorous bags made the Guide's top picks. And I can say that they are my own personal pick. I keep a box at my kitchen and office in Italy and my office and working kitchen and the US and in my car as well. They work great and keep a gal looking Glam no matter where or what. For the kitchen, they work great with storing and transporting ingredients or snacks. The bigger sizes are great for towels and bathing suits and supplies to bring to the beach or gym. Traveling by air I can keep looking stylish with my little bag of small liquid necessities to keep with me on the plane, and meet all security guidelines and keep my little bit of lip gloss and moisturizer with me. There are so many ways these bags can be used.You can purchase them at www.kikic.com but be forewarned they become an addiction and you will want to purchase a box of each design,especially if traveling by plane this Holiday season or anytime!

SKOY CLOTHSThese heavenly cloths were also picked for the second year in a row for the annual Best of Holiday Guide. They are in all my kitchens all over the world. They are reusable so no need for wasteful paper towels. You can even throw them in the washer. So many different colors and they hold 15X more than their weight, so stronger than paper towels as well. Just as great for cleaning up spills, cleaning dishes, cleaning up the kitchen and more. Economical..just think of all the rolls of paper towels you WON'T have to buy this year,and all the money you will save!

BAUDUCCO PANETTONE

So moist and fragrant when you open up the box..you won't want to wait to cut it and may decide to tear off a piece. The fragrance is extremely enticing. Their panettone work so well with many of my recipes in the Award Winning Book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays & Special Occasions-2nd edition

Beka CookwarePerfect for cooking! Great for the Environment and for a Green Kitchen!

I keep my Beka cookware saute pan near my range for quick sautéing, a frittata and many other Holiday recipes, Beka cookware is the world's first 100% Green cookware. Great for the environment, use no harmful chemicals in production and none to sneak their way into your foods. They are coated with a special ceramic that allows you to cook at lower temperatures and so uses less energy. They also distribute heat evenly. And you know they are perfect for a frittata for one, you can place it in the oven for that perfect touch that I love when making frittata. If you can fall in love with a pan ,this is it! Non-stick so frittata comes out beautifully and no harmful chemicals in your foods from cooking.

The 8"saute pan makes a perfect gift for someone that cooks for one or two. Or great if you want to whip up something for yourself...just the right size pan for that.

And if you are looking for Holiday recipes & Holiday stories get your copy of the book selected as The Best Italian Cuisine Book in the USA

Our 'elves' (editors) are hard at work already scouting products for the Spring Holidays Annual Guide 2011 and next year's Holiday Guide 2011. if you know of any products you would like to recommend, let us know at : editor@marialiberati.comIf the product you recommend is selected for either guide you will win an ebook in The Basic Art of Italian Cooking series

From everyone at The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm to you and your family for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year

Mangia Bene, Vivi BeneTanti Auguri e Buone Feste!Maria